God’s Alternative to Worry
All this week, just like you, I have been trying to overcome my fears. One of the more subtle outflows of fear is worry. I tend to justify my worry as “godly concern” but in truth, I am just stewing about the things I am afraid of! So, let’s finish this week with some encouraging truth that will beat worry AND fear every time! This is what I am learning in my own life.
When I am besieged by worry and fear, I can exchange pressure for perspective.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:25-34, NIV)
We read these verses and a very normal response is, “I’m out—this doesn’t apply to me because I have bigger things to worry about than food and clothing, birds and flowers!” friend, you missed the point. The point is if God can handle the details for the birds and the flowers, how much more will He care for those who bear His image on their souls? How much more important is life and breath than what you will wear or eat? This verse is telling us that God has the details.
When faced with fear and worry, I can exchange terror for trust. Looking out into the future can be terrifying. What does Jesus say to the terrified?
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34, NIV)
What does that mean? Jesus first. Jesus foremost. Spend today pursuing what matters to God and leave tomorrow to Him.
When facing fear and worry, I can exchange panic for prayer.
I have a friend who prays for me. My prayer friend also has a son who is serving with the United States military in harm’s way. I asked her how she handles her worry. She was honest and said, “Not very well, I’m prone to panic.” But, this is what she does—in her prayer time—she thanks God for every day that He has provided safety thus far. Then she starts at the top of his head and systematically prays God’s covering over every part of his body (God, give him an alert mind to know if danger is near, allow His eyes to see places of safety and refuge, keep his mouth pure and honoring you, cover his hands and make them yours, etc) and then she prays the armor of God for herself and asks God to give her son the wisdom to put it on himself. In exchanging panic for prayer she is obeying Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition...” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)
Can I share one more?
When I am facing fear and worry, I can exchange worry for worship.
Years ago, my close friend Sam’s son was very sick with E-coli poisoning. At that time, Sam was the worship pastor of our church and he sang his way through his son Max’s recovery. He sang about the goodness of God when things weren’t good. He sang about wholeness, when Max was anything but whole and my spiritual brother taught me that singing in the storm opened the doors to God’s calm.
As we finish this week of miracle victories over fear, take the final few words of Philippians 4 as your badge of courage for facing your fears.
“…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)
Never forget my friend...
You are a miracle!
